The People

Bulgaria is the poorest EU member state. The average monthly wage is just £106. In contrast, the cost of running a household is £120 per month. This leaves one in eight Bulgarians living below the poverty line and 15% of children living in jobless households.

The knock-on effect of this lasting poverty and unemployment is increasing criminal activity, deteriorating health, a negative birth rate, emigration and corruption.

People at Risk

Bulgaria’s demographic and economic crises have put three groups of people particularly at risk:

Children

The Elderly

The Roma Community

Health facts

One in 10 Bulgarians has no access to health care benefits.

Mortality rates from chronic conditions have increased, as have deaths from trauma.

Stroke mortality is six times the EU average.

Only 55% of the cost of medical services is covered by the National Health Fund.